The UK and South Korea have announced the winning project of funding to help deliver a new 5G public transport experience.
£2.4 million has been set aside to help support a groundbreaking new project for underground transportation. The UK and South Korean governments are each providing £1.2 million in funding.
Digital Minister Margot James announced the winner today as 5G RailNext.
5G RailNext aims to provide infotainment services across the Seoul Metro system. Technologies such as AR will help to deliver entertainment in addition to travel information and more.
In the UK, a similar project will be undertaken across the Glasgow Metro. Further expansion to the London Underground and New York Metro systems is also being explored.
“5G is the future of connectivity and we want the UK to be a world leader,” says James. “This collaboration with South Korea will explore innovative ways to use the technology to deliver content and services on transport networks in Seoul and Glasgow.”
5G RailNext is a consortium which consists of public and private companies. The project is being led by Cisco but also features British SMEs Ampletime and Soluis, in addition to Strathclyde University and Glasgow City Council.
Tony Gribben, Country Manager at Cisco Scotland, said:
“More so than any other wave of connectivity, 5G presents an opportunity to ensure every industry can benefit from connectivity and the added value it provides to society.
With Glasgow Metro one of the oldest in the world, what more challenging and relatable environment to trial than a moving metro train, equipped with the latest in augmented reality technology.”
The competition was launched in 2019 as part of a drive to attract South Korean investment in the UK and help to open up opportunities for British firms in South Korea.
As the UK leaves the EU, it hopes to develop closer ties with its global partners such as South Korea–a country that was among the first to sign a preliminary free trade deal post-Brexit to help ensure minimal disruption.
5G RailNext will be part-funded from the £200 million set aside by the UK government for its 5G Testbeds & Trials Programme which aims to support British firms developing experiences for domestic and international markets.
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